The Nebraska Game and Parks Commission (NGPC)

organized the third intensive effort targeted towards

sampling pallid sturgeon in reproductive condition in

the upper channelized Missouri River. Volunteers

were solicited from area universities, colleges, and

state and federal agencies to assist NGPC personnel

from Monday, April 5 through Friday, April 16, 2010.

Sampling crews targeted an area from the confluence

of the Platte and Missouri Rivers (River Mile [RM]

595.0) to Lower Barney Bend below Hamburg, IA (RM

546.2). Crews were able to fish a total of nearly 53

river miles and sample 16 different river bends be-

cause of the additional help from volunteers.

Sampling was conducted using gill nets and 200-foot

trotlines with 40 hooks per line baited with worms.

Due to high water levels prior to the intensive effort

five bends were sampled with gill nets, in addition to

trotlines to fulfill standardized sampling commitments.

A total of 7 pallid sturgeon were sampled using this gear. Overall, trotlines collected a total of 160 pallid sturgeon in 12

days of sampling.

Pallid sturgeon are native to the Missouri and Mississippi River systems. Due to popula-

tion declines, the species was listed as federally endangered in 1990. The construction

of the mainstem dams and navigation channel has drastically modified the river from its

natural state by changing the temperature, turbidity, and flows of the river. This caused

widespread alteration and destruction of spawning areas and a reduction of food

sources for many species in the Missouri River. Several recovery projects have been

initiated to monitor the current population status of pallid sturgeon and other native

river species, evaluate changes in habitat alterations/improvements, and to identify and

understand various life history characteristics of pallid sturgeon, particularly reproduc-

tive behaviors. In addition to these recovery projects, a stocking program was devel-

oped to ensure the persistence of the species until pallid sturgeon are able to reproduce

naturally and are self-

sustaining. Since re-

covery projects began

in the early 2000’s, very few adult pallid sturgeon in

reproductive condition have been captured in the Mid-

dle Basin. Until 2007, the Middle Basin relied on the

availability of Upper Basin progeny to stock into the

river below Gavins Point Dam. Beginning in the spring

of 2007, NGPC initiated focused efforts to collect adult

broodstock from the Middle Basin for the stocking pro-

gram. Broodstock efforts in 2008 and 2009, resulted in

the capture of 13 adult male and 6 female pallid stur-

geon that were successfully spawned in hatchery facili-

ties producing approximately 19,000 progeny of which

10,644 have been stocked. These two year classes rep-

resent progeny of Middle Basin origin that have been

stocked into the Missouri River.

Pallid Sturgeon Recovery Efforts

2010 NEBRASKA GAME AND PARKS COMMISSION

BROODSTOCK COLLECTION

APRIL 2010

JIM BRANNEN & JOSH WILHELM

Background

Grant and Easton display two hatchery pallid sturgeon sampled on a trotline near

Nebraska City with their father Frank Albrecht (NGPC).

Shovelnose (left) and Pallid (right) stur-

geon

Jeff Gilson presenting the largest pallid sturgeon sampled during this year’s effort.

Length: 1094 mm Weight: 5352 g

A total of 167 pallid sturgeon were collected during the

2010 intensive broodstock collection efforts (Figure 1).

Prior to the intensive effort, NGPC transported 7 adult

pallid sturgeon to Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery

in Yankton, SD while completing their standardized

sampling using gill nets and trot lines. Thirty-seven of

the 167 pallid sturgeon collected during the intensive

effort were transported to Blind Pony State Fish Hatch-

ery for evaluation of their sex and reproductive condi-

tion. Additionally, 107 known hatchery-reared and 23

pallid sturgeon of unknown origin were collected.

Upon arrival at the hatchery, brookstock fish were

placed in race ways until a reproductive diagnosis

could be conducted. On several occasions, Janice

Bryan of the United States Geological Survey-Columbia,

MO (USGS) visited the hatcheries to determine sex and

reproductive stage of pallid sturgeon that had been

transported. Blind Pony is currently holding seven females and twelve males from both the 2010 broodstock effort

and prior standardized sampling efforts; for a grand total of 19 reproductive fish. One reproductive female, how-

ever, was identified genetically as hatchery related and will be

implanted with a telemetry tag for the spring rise evaluation re-

search project. All fish that will not be used as current or future

broodstock were released back into the river near their capture

sites. Two of the seven reproductive females were captured prior

to the broodstock effort and transported from Gavins Point Na-

tional Fish Hatchery, and two immature females were shipped to

Neosho National Fish Hatchery for future spawning.

With information gathered from tags in recaptured pallid stur-

geon, 63 of the 107 known hatchery-reared pallid sturgeon could

be traced back to their hatchery, stocking site, and year class origin. Fish raised at Garrison National Fish Hatchery

(N=32) represented 51% of the total catch followed by Gavins Point National Fish Hatchery (N=25), and Neosho Na-

tional Fish Hatchery (N=6). The majority of hatchery-raised fish were stocked

at Bellevue, NE (RM 604.1; N=26), Mullberry Bend, SD (RM 775.1; N=13), and

Boonville, MO (RM 195.1; N=10). The largest downstream movement of a

stocked pallid sturgeon was from St. Helena, SD (RM 799) to, Lower Copeland

bend near Nebraska City, NE (RM 563.5) traveling 235.5 miles. The largest

upstream movement was 397 miles from Boonville, MO (RM 195) to Platts-

mouth, NE (RM 592). Recaptured pallid sturgeon of hatchery origin had been

at-large for an average of 6 years. The shortest time at-large of any recap-

tured hatchery-reared pallid sturgeon was two years, while one pallid stur-

geon was recaptured after eight years at large. The 2002 year class was the

most represented year class with 29 individuals, followed by the 2005 (N=11)

and 2001 (N=9) year classes. A notable recapture came from a fish stocked in

Boyer Chute during the reenactment of the Lewis and Clark voyage in 2004.

There were only 51 fish stocked during this event.

Total Pallid Sturgeon Captures

Figure 1. Number of pallid sturgeon caught per 25-mm length group during broodstock

collection efforts, including two fish that were collected in the fall.

Sex & Stage Determination

Hatchery Recapture Data

2010 NEBRASKA GAME AND PARKS COMMISSION

BROODSTOCK COLLECTION

Andrea Wagner (USACE) holding a 808 mm non-

reproductive wild male pallid sturgeon.

USACE District Commander COL Robert Ruch poses with a male pallid

sturgeon captured near Nebraska City, NE.

A total of 109 volunteers, representing 5 universities and colleges, 7 government agencies, and several other or-

ganizations and businesses worked a total of 150 days. There were 12 NGPC Missouri River Program employees

that lead this effort. With all help combined, 273 days of effort were exerted in a 12-day span. Daily efforts varied

depending on the number of volunteers; however, four boats fished daily from Monday, April 5 through Saturday,

April 16. A total of 346 trotlines was deployed resulting in 13,868 hook nights. Trotlines are used because they tar-

get sturgeon species, as sturgeons comprised 4,531 of 4,774 total fish sampled (95%).

In addition to the 12-day intensive effort, NGPC

crews collected 7 adult pallid sturgeon during stan-

dard sampling in the fall of 2009 and the spring of

2010. During these periods, pallid sturgeon were

collected using multifilament experimental gill nets

and trot lines.

During the intensive effort, pallid sturgeon

(hatchery-reared and wild origin) were collected

everyday that crews sampled. In addition, at least

one adult pallid sturgeon (>750 mm) was trans-

ported to Blind Pony State Fish Hatchery for a re-

productive diagnosis everyday. Catch rates of pal-

lid sturgeon were stable throughout the 12-day

period despite fluctuating water temperatures and

a decreasing hydrograph (Figure 2). Compared to

2009, there was a dramatic decrease in flow during

this year’s intensive effort as temperature in-

creased. Last year’s catch rates correlated with

increasing water temperature and flows.

Sampling gears were deployed in a variety of habi-

tat types and catch rates varied between areas.

This indicates that sampling success may have been more related to activity levels of pallid sturgeon rather than

targeting particular habitat types. During this effort, crews fished water temperatures ranging from 9.4 to 15.4oC.

Water levels were unusually high prior to broodstock efforts due to extensive snow melt and precipitation. How-

ever, during sampling discharge gradually decreased approximately 11,400 cubic-feet per second during the two

week sampling effort. Crews also experienced fluctuating weather conditions. On April 7th, cold and rainy condi-

tions prevailed with temperatures in the thirties with heavy rain, sleet and wind gusting to 40 mph. The following

week temperatures increased and became more comfortable with the exception of a few windy days.

2010 NEBRASKA GAME AND PARKS COMMISSION

BROODSTOCK COLLECTION

Sampling Effort

Figure 2. Number of pallid sturgeon collected by day, river discharge and temperature from

4/5/2010 through 4/13/2010 at Nebraska City, NE.

Gerald Coats of Rock Creek Hatchery (NGPC) holding a

1000 mm, reproductive female that was transported to

Blind Pony State Fish Hatchery.

Curt Bisgard (USACE), Chad Christiansen (UNL),

and Natan Kershner (UNL) show off the three

species of sturgeon found in the Missouri River;

shovelnose, pallid and lake sturgeon

Erik Blechinger (USACE) gently releases an

immature pallid sturgeon back into the water.

PARTCIPANTS & VOLUNTEERS

SAMPLING FACTS

Aaron Quin (USACE)

Adam Kendall (UNL)

Adam Sutton (UNL)

Alex Fischer (UNL)

Amanda Crane (USACE)

Andrea Faas (NGPC)

Andrea Wagner (USACE)

Baxter Poe (PSC)

Bill Garvey (NGPC)

Blake Smith (NGPC)

Brandon Eder (NGPC)

Brannon Bischoff (Kiewit)

Brice Stone

Bryce Jensen (UNL)

Cal Borden (UNL)*

Cameron Goble (UNL)

Carla Knight (UNL)

Chad Christiansen (UNL)

Chris Horihan (UNL)

Chris Wiehl (USACE)

Christian Luedtke*

Cindy Upah (USACE)

Clancy Young (Lourdes Central)

Clint Helms (Ft. Riley Bio.)*

Craig McLane (PBS&J)

Curt Bisgard (USACE)

Dale Young (Young’s Welding)*

Dan Evasco (NGPC)

Dan Wiley (NPS)

Dane Pauly (NGPC)*

Dave Crane (USACE)*

Dave Oates (NGPC)

Dawn Rodriguez (USACE)

Denise Nelson (NPS)*

Derik Lape (NGPC)*

Diana Lindloff (UNO)

Dylan Tegtmeier

Easton Albrecht

Eric Cherko (U. of Iowa)

Erik Blechinger (USACE)

Erik Doran (UNL)

Erik Prenosil (PSC)*

Evy Santiago (UNL)

Frank Albrecht (NGPC)

George Williams (USACE)

Gerald Coates (NGPC)

Gerald Mestl (NGPC)

Gordon Coke (Flatwater Group Inc.)

Grant Albrecht

Greg Hartel (NGPC)*

Greg Hotovy (Walker)

Hans Otto (USACE)

Heather Hill (USACE)

Ian Malmstrom (Pius X)

Isaac Powell (Henry Doorly Zoo)

Jacob Tejral

Jacob Thompson (UNO)*

Jared Meiergerd (PSC)

Jared Stirling (USACE)

Jason Luebbe (NGPC)*

Jeff Gilson (Lourdes Central)*

Jeremy Grauf (UNL)

Jerrod Hall (NGPC)

Jim Brannen (NGPC)

John Shelman (USACE)

John Walrath (UNL)

Jolene Hulsing (USACE)

Josh Kounovsky (UNL)

Josh Melliger (USACE)

Josh Wilhelm (NGPC)

Joshua Loomis (UNL)

Justin Cermak (Flatwater Group Inc.)

Katherine Lawry (UNL)

Kelsea Nore (Nebraskaland)

Ken Hatten (NGPC)

Kevin Steffensen (Walker)

Kirk Steffensen (NGPC)

Larry Hutchinson (NGPC)

Laura Achterberg

Lonny Zwickle (USPS)

Matt Hollman (NGPC)*

Matt Schwarz (USFWS)*

Matt Simpson (USACE)

Melissa Santiago (NGPC)

Michael Musil (UNL)

Michele Further Hurt (NGPC)

Michelle Koch (NGPC)

Mick Sandine (USACE)

Mike Gilbert (USACE)*

Mike Gilson (Elser American Meter Co.)

LtCol Monte Ten Kley (USMC)

Nathan Kershner (UNL)

Neal Bedlan (NPS)*

Oley Cherko

Raeann Powers (NGPC)

Randy Stutheit (NGPC)

Rickey Kia (NGPC)

COL Robert Ruch (USACE)

Russ Somsen (USACE)*

Ruth Bentzinger (USACE)

Ryan Oliver (UNL)

Sarah Zink (USACE)

Schuyler Sampson (NGPC)

Scott Flash (USACE)

Scott Luedtke (NGPC)

Scott Mendlik (UNL)

Seth Barns (UNO)

Shannon Bell (UNL)

Shari Kunert (UNL)

Shaun Dunn (NGPC)

Steve Tegtmeier (LES)

Susan Zwickle (NGPC)

Suzanne Gucciardo (NPS)*

Tanner Stevens (UNL)*

Taylor Sloey (UNL)

Theresa Martin (USACE)

Tim Porter (NGPC)

Tim Welker (USACE)*

Travis Kopf (NGPC)*

Trevor Munkvold (USACE)*

Weston Fleming (FHSU)*

Zach Kohlhoff (PSC)

167 - Total number of pallid sturgeon collected dur-

ing the 2010 intensive effort

37 - Number of pallid sturgeon sent to the hatchery

for evaluation during the 2010 intensive effort

19 - Number of pallid sturgeon in reproductive

condition (7 females and 12 males)

1,094 mm and 5,352 g - Largest pallid sturgeon

collected

4 - Total number of lake sturgeon collected

1 - Total number of pallid x shovelnose hybrids

collected

4,365 - Total number of shovelnose sturgeon

collected

5,966 lbs of shovelnose sturgeon collected

4,774 - Total number of fish collected

13.1 miles of trot lines deployed

13,900 - Approximate number of night crawlers used

during this effort

1.6 miles - Length of all the Sturgeon sampled if

laid end to end

1.3 miles - Length on all the night crawlers used if

laid end to end

29oF - Coldest day

40 mph - Highest recorded wind speed

109 - Total number of volunteers (83 males and 26

females)

5 - Most days worked by volunteers (Russ Somsen

USACE, Jared Stirling USACE)

Pallid 470C493F38 has been sampled all three

broodstock seasons and was spawned in 2009

597 pallid sturgeon have

been sampled during the

three broodstock efforts

64 - Number of reproductive

fish collected in the last

three years

1– American eel sampled

Participated 2 Year*

Participated 3 Years